Читать книгу The Twinkling of an Eye - Sue Brown - Страница 5

In my very personal mother’s rendition, our family, friends and many professional people have unwittingly become characters in Craig’s story. I apologise for instances where their memories of events, or conversations, may differ from mine.

In relating those events that left me hurting more than I already was, I have found myself recalling times in my personal life – and career as a physiotherapist – of which I am not proud. Times when, immature and insensitive, I was not the person another needed me to be.

I could as easily be the villain in their story. In the words of Irish writer C.S. Lewis, ‘Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God do you learn.’

I apologise for my mistakes, and trust that I have indeed learnt.

I wrote this story to record the extraordinary events of my thirteen-year-old son’s battle against his cancer. The frankness, wit and grit with which he guided us – the adults – along the unpredictable scale of extremes that life with a brain tumour is. The fervent living that only a boy intent on going ‘straight to the big time’ could match.

It was also written with an eternal debt of gratitude to the remarkable medical professionals who cared for Craig so impeccably, and with such respect.

Thank you for doing the hardest work with the greatest humanity.

My husband Neil, daughter Meg and I have been blessed with the many people who have walked this path with us. Whose love and care were greater than the fear and despair that threatened to overwhelm us.

There is indeed a light that shines in the very darkest places, and that the dark is unable to put out.

And, of course, thanks to Craig … my bold, bright boy – for all the joy that you brought to this world.

For living the story that this book tells.